[ Karda Natam ]

DAPORIJO, 27 Aug: A public brawl reportedly erupted between supporters and opponents of the proposed Subansiri Upper Hydroelectric Power (SUMP) project at the Menga dam area on Thursday morning, as authorities were scheduled to begin property assessment in Gusar circle.

The situation reportedly escalated near Lida bridge in Dumporijo constituency when members of both pro-dam and anti-dam groups gathered and engaged in a heated argument over the proposed project and the property assessment process.

The Dumporijo-Gusar-Giteripa-Baririjo and Maro Students' Union alleged that the authorities had failed to adequately inform the affected people about the procedures and process involved in the property assessment for the proposed Menga dam project.

The union and its supporters subsequently staged a protest against the proposed project.

According to reports, some members of the public stopped a magistrate's vehicle from proceeding towards Gusar, where the assessment was scheduled to commence on Thursday. Meanwhile, supporters of the project reportedly urged the authorities to proceed with the assessment at the earliest.

The disagreement between the two groups soon turned into a physical altercation, with members of both sides reportedly brawling at the site.

Meanwhile, Magistrate Atu Yekar said that the situation subsequently calmed down and is under control. She further informed that vehicular movement has resumed peacefully and commuters are moving freely on the road.

The proposed Menga dam project has emerged as a contentious issue among the affected communities, with sections of the public opposing the project while others are supporting its implementation.